Variable capacity compressor and refrigerator

Abstract

A reciprocating refrigerant compressor system is disclosed. The compressor system includes a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, at least one fluid passageway, and an actuator. The piston is movable between a bottom dead center (BDC) and a top dead center (TDC) position. The fluid passageway is disposed within the cylinder between the BDC and TDC position and defined by one or more apertures. The actuator is in operative communication with the aperture and is responsive to an environmental condition external to the compressor system to at least partially close the aperture.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0001]The present disclosure generally relates to reciprocating compressors, and more particularly to reciprocating refrigerant compressors for cooling appliances.[0002]Modern refrigerators typically include a closed refrigeration circuit having a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and a number of fans to direct cooled air into refrigeration compartments. Refrigerators typically function under multiple conditions, which may include long periods of low demand during which the compressor runs for a short period of time and remains off for a long period of time, as well as short periods of high demand during which the compressor runs steadily through the period of high demand (such as during meal preparation, frequent door openings, accelerated cooling modes, automatic icemaker use, and high ambient temperature, for example). Present refrigerator designs must have sufficient capacity to operate and supply the necessary cooling for high demand, and typic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a reciprocating refrigerant compressor system, a refrigerator, and a sealed system for forcing cold air through the refrigeration compartment. The compressor system includes a cylinder, a piston, at least one fluid passageway, an actuator, and a controller. The piston is movable between a bottom dead center (BDC) and a top dead center (TDC) position. The fluid passageway is defined by an aperture disposed within the cylinder between the BDC and TDC positions and is in operative communication with the actuator. The controller is responsive to an environmental condition of the refrigeration compartment to activate the actuator. The sealed system further includes a condenser, a phase separator, and a fresh food and freezer expansion device and evaporator. The system has improved efficiency and can adjust the cooling capacity based on the environmental condition.

Problems solved by technology

The requirement to satisfy high demand operation presents a difficulty to efficiently operate during low demand operation.

During periods of low demand, a compressor sized for high demand provides excess capacity, runs infrequently, and can lead to complications in high efficiency refrigerators, such as greater cyclic losses, power consumption, sweat, and compartment temperature fluctuation with low ice rate and reduced motor efficiency, for example.

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